Treatment protocol for cleft lip and cleft palate

The common problems that are faced by cleft children and their parents are related to appearance, nutrition and speech. As the child grows up, multiple surgeries are required to be performed to restore good health and appearance and for the child to lead a normal life.

Age

Treatment

Rationale

At birth

Feeding Plate

Sucking milk

2-3 months

Lip repair

Feeding and appearance

9-11 months

Palate repair

Sealing the communication gap between the mouth and nose to enhance feeding & speech

3 years +

Pharyngoplasty (if needed)

Correction of nasal sounding speech (by preventing escape of air through the nose )